When Jake and Scot Bilbro took over Limerick Lane winery and vineyard in 2011, it seemed an ideal match. The estate has a rich history of producing outstanding Zinfandel, and the brothers Bilbro grew up in the Sonoma County wine business with their dad, Chris Bilbro, at Marietta Cellars.

The top sparkling wines from the Golden State are rich with bright California fruit, but layer it with lively acidity. Consumers will also find great value. Look for my complete American sparkling wine report next summer, but for now, here are the California bubblies that impressed me most in 2014.

There just aren't enough days in the year to drink all the good wine. Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2014 is always my go-to list, but I also have personal favorites. They aren't necessarily the highest-rated, but these wines left an impression with me for all sorts of reasons—the mood I was in, the people I was with and the food I was eating. Some I tasted blind, others I didn't.